Fraction collection apparatus



1953 G. GORHAM 2,654,522

FRACTION COLLECTION APPARATUS Filed Feb. 17, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR. GEORGE Got/$4M 4778164/6KS' l Get. 6, 1953 GQRHAM 2,654,522

FRACTION COLLECTION APPARATUS Filed Feb. 17, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. GEWGE 60,9 1,4 4

Patented Oct. 6, 1 953 George Gorham,

New York, N. Y., assignor to Technicon Ghromatography ;Corporation, New

York, N.

Y., a corporation of New York Application February 17, 1951, Serial No. 211,565 31 claims. (01. 226-96) This invention relates to an automatic fraction collection apparatus.

In my prior applications, Ser. No. 772,389, how Patent No. 2,604,249, filed September 5, 1947, Ser. No. 12,130, now abandoned, filed February 28, 1 948, Ser. No. 105,986, now Patent No. 2,604,248, filed July 21, 1949, and Ser. No. 158,282 filed April 17, 1959, there is disclosed and claimed fractioncoliection apparatus of the general type with which the present invention is concerned.

One object of the present invention is the provision, in fraction-collection apparatus having means for directing a liquid or other material to receptacles arranged in laterally related rows, of means for imparting a positive motion to said directing means for automatically moving the latter from one receptacle row to another.

Another object is the provision in such apparatus of mechanism positively driven by the receptacle rack to effect said automatic movement of the directing means.

A further object is the provision in such apparatus of means for angularly adjusting the directing means relative to the receptacle rack and the housing therefor.

The above and other objects, features and ad vantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic fraction-collection apparatus embodying the present invention, a portion thereof being broken away for illustrative purposes;

Fig. 2 is a plan View, partly in section, of a mechanism forming part of the apparatus, showing said mechanism in one operating position thereof;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, with a portion of the mechanism broken away for the purpose of illustration, showing said mechanism in the drain position thereof;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line B -5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a sectional View taken on the line i6-6 of Fig. 4, a portion being broken away for illustrative purposes;

Fig. '7 is a sectional view on the line l -1 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view taken in the di rection of the arrow 8 in Fig. '7;

Fig. '9 is a plan view of another mechanism forming part of the apparatus, showing said mechanism in one operating position thereof and.

Fig. 10 is fragmentary view of a portion of the mechanism illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, showing the latter in the release position thereof.

Briefly described, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a movable rack or support on which a plurality of receptacles are arranged in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, each of which extends in the direction of movement of the rack. A liquid or other material supply device is associated with the apparatus and includes a funnel device having passage therethrough for the liquid, or other substance which is to be supplied to said receptacles, mounted for movement laterally of the receptacle rows of the rack for directing the material to the receptacles in the different rows. The rack is moved step by step to carry each receptacle to a position at the outlet of the directing means or funnel for a supply of the substance to each receptacle. When the substance is to be supplied to more than one row of receptacles, the funnel is moved automatically from one row to another. Means including a timing device, which may be either a time responsive device or a drop counter for accurately determining and measuring the quantity of substance to be supplied to each of said predetermined number of receptacles, are preferably utilized but any other suitable charge measuring device may be used. Suitable means such as an electric motor is utilized for actuating the rack moving mechanism and provision is made to terminate the operation of the apparatus as soon as the last receptacle is charged.

In the use to which the apparatus is presently being put, accurately measured uniform quantities of liquid are collected in a multiplicity of test tubes T or other suitable receptacles or containers which, in the form of the apparatus herein disclosed, are carried by a rotatable rack I2. The rack is preferably of the type fully dis closed and described in detail in my previously identified applications. As therein described, and as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the liquid receiving receptacles T are disposed in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, here shown as circular rows, the rack or container supporting means 12 being circular. The containers are held removably in upright position and in the uniform circumferentially spaced relation indicated in Fig. 1 in each row by the horizontal plates or disks l4 and It of the rack l2. For this purpose, plate 14 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings for the outermost row of containers, and similar openings are provided in plate Hi for each of the other rows, there being four of such rows in the apparatus as now constructed and as shown in Fig. 1. It will be understood that the lower plate [6 is similarly provided with four circular rows of circumferentially spaced. openings, the openings in each row being in registry with the openings in the respective rows of plate It to support and position the test tubes. An intermediate plate is is mounted between plates I l and 15 to facilitate the insertion of the receptacles into the openings into the lower plate IS. The lower plate i6 is also provided with a pair of downwardly projecting radially disposed pins 29 and 22, the function of which will presently appear. From a comparison of Figs. 4 and 5, it will be noted that pin 2!] is shorter than pin 22 and, as illustrated in Fig. 2, it will be noted that pin 2!! is disposed further radially outwardly of plate It than pin 22.

Rack i2 is mounted for rotation about a vertical shaft 24 (Fig. 9), as more particularly illustrated and described in the latter two of my previously filed applications, and, as therein illustrated and described, is moved intermittently, i. e., stepwise, for presenting each of the containers of each row successively at the liquid receiving station 25 (Fig. 1) at which the material supply device 28 is mounted. It will be noted that the rack is disposed removably within a stationary housing 30 provided with a removable cover 32 and that the latter has a slot or opening 34 to allow the passage of the liquid from the outlet 36 of unit 28 through the funnel 38 into the receptacle I at the liquid receiving station. The funnel 38 is mounted for con trolled step movement laterally of the rows of containers into positions in which the liquid outlet B8 of said funnel registers with the containers in each of the laterally related rows, respectively, of the rack. More particularly, the funnel 38 may be first positioned in registry with the innermost row of containers so as to supply liquid to each of the containers in said innermost row during one revolution of rack I2, after which the funnel is pivoted so that outlet 49 is moved in succession outwardly to the other rows to supply liquid to each of the containers of each of said other rows during the next three revolutions of the rack.

As here shown, funnel 38 is provided with a vertically disposed mouth portion 42 which empties into a restricted horizontally disposed tubular part or liquid passageway 44 which terminates in the downturned liquid outlet or dropper 4!). The funnel is releasably mounted, as by the fasteners it which engage part 44 of the funnel, said fasteners being carried by the cross bar 43 of a vertically disposed bracket i? which is mounted for pivotal movement on a rotatable support or stud 52 (Figs. 1 and 4) projecting above the upper housing wall 54. As hereinafter more particularly described, said bracket turns with the support or stud 52 about the vertical axis of the latter in pivotally moving the funnel from one row of containers or receptacles to each of said other rows. Accordingly, funnel outlet or dropper 40 is movable in an arcuate part from one row of receptacles to another. In this connection, it will be noted that the opening 34 of cover 32 is arcuately shaped and has its center of curvature at the axis of stud 52, and further it will be understood that the laterally aligned openings in the rack are disposed along the arc of a circle wh c ha its center at the axis of stud 52 when each set of laterally related openings of the several rows are at the liquid receiving station.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the liquid, which is supplied to the receptacles in the rack 12, is pro vided in a supply container 56 having an adjustable valve 58 at its outlet from which the liquid flows through a tube 69 for treatment by a substance, depending upon the process for which the apparatus is to be used. From the outlet 36 of the tube 66 the liquid flows intermittently, i. e. drop by drop, the drops being of the same volumetric size, into the mouth Q2 of the funnel carried by the bracket 53. The drops of liquid pass through outlet 46 of the funnel into a test tube at the liquid receiving station. After the predetermined number of drops of liquid are supplied to the test tube at the liquid receiving station, the rack I2 is turned one step whereby to bring the next tube into position at the liquid receiving station. More particularly, and as illustrated and described in detail in said latter two previously filed applications, the rack I2 is turned by a motor which is interrupted for a predetermined time interval while each test tube is in liquid receiving position, said interval determining the amount of liquid that is supplied to the test tube, said motor being energized at the end of said interval to move the next test tube into liquid receiving position whereupon the motor is cut off and the cycle is repeated. In this manner, rack i2 is turned intermittently in order to carry the liquid receiving receptacles successively to the liquid receiving station and allow sufiicient time for each receptacle at said station to receive a predetermined quantity or charge of liquid. After all or any predetermined number of the receptacles in one row are supplied with the predetermined quantities of liquid, funnel 38 is automatically moved to the next row, it being noted that mouth 42 is always disposed in registry with outlet 36, regardless of the position of funnel outlet Ml. To maintain outlet 36 in position to drop liquid into funnel 393, the container 56 and the tube 60 are carried by supports or brackets 62 and 54, respectively, which are releasably and adjustably secured to the vertically disposed rod 66 in any suitable manner, the rod 66 being secured in any suitable manner to the housing 30.

In the apparatus which has been constructed and operated pursuant to the present invention, there is provision for 50 test tubes in each of the four rows, or a total of 200 test tubes. As Will hereinafter appear, the apparatus may be set so as to supply a predetermined quantity of liquid to all of the 200 test tubes or to any predetermined smaller number of test tubes according to requirements. Upon the termination of the test tube filling process, funnel 38 is automatically moved to discharge the liquid into a drain 68 removably secured in pinch clips iii to side wall 12 of housing 39, said drain permitting the excess liquid to be discharged through tubing M into a receptacle (not shown). Honsing wall 12 is provided with a window it whereby the receptacles and the contents thereof may be inspected without requiring removal of the rack from the housing.

Pursuant to the present invention, the mechanism for positioning funnel 38 to transmit the liquid into a predetermined row of receptacles and thereafter to automatically pivot the funnel to charge the receptacles in the next outermesa-522 5 most row, comprises the link assembly 18 (Fig. 9) operated by the control unit "8' '(Fig. '1), the click pawl assembly 8:! and the companion ratchet assembly 83 Control unit 80 is provided with "a rotatable shaft '86, one end of which extends through the upperhousing wall 5 3 and carries a control knob 88 which is provided with an indicator The control knob is used to manually rotate the shaft 86, the lower 'end 'of which is journalled in any suitable means, as at 92, Pr vided :on the bottom wall 94 of the housing. Adjacent its lower end, the shaft 86 is provided a horizontal cam 96.

In a predetermined position (Fig. :9) of the shaft '86, as set by the control knob 8'8, the cam '96 engages a roller "95 on the linl: '58. The roller engages a notch '9? in cam and the -link is releasably retained in a predetermined position. Link .98 is provided with a "longitudinal slot Hill in which is disposed a vertically mounted guide stud H32 secured on the uppersurfaceof the :bot tom wall 94, said stud serving to guide "the "link T978 when it is moved by the shaft 86 to its projected position shown in Fig. 9. The other end of link 9'8 is pivotally connected to .a lever IM between the center and the end m5 thereof. It will "be understood that the lever I104 is centra'lly apertured and is mounted for rotation 'on an upstanding portion of themem'ber its which is secured to the bottom wall 91: and in which the rack shaft 24 is mounted. The other 'end iii of lever 1'64 is provided with a guide stud [12 which is disposed in a slot HM provided in the link Ht adjacent the end H8 thereof. At its other end, the link 1"!6 is pivotally mounted on a vertical post H5 (Fig. 4) carried by the click pawl I253. As shown in Figs. 2 and '3, the click pawl I is an L-shaped member which is pivo'tally mounted on a suitable post l 22 carried "by and depending; from the cam i215 which together with said click pawl constitutes the click pawl assembly 8i. A helical tension spring T26 is disposed about the means 122 be-tween the click pawl I26 and the cam arm 124. One end of said spring is secured in the cam arm and the other end is secured in the click pawl whereby to bias the click pawl for clockwise rotation, viewing Figs. 2 and 3.

It will be apparent that when the knob 88 is rotated to a position where the cam 96 engages the link roller $5, the link 93 is moved from its retracted position to the projected position thereof, illustrated in Fig. 9, thereby rotating the layer we in a counterclockwise direction, viewing Fig. 9, so that the guide stud i It?! moves link H6 in the direction of arrow A in Fig. -9. Said movement of link Ht causes the click pawl 120 to rotate in a counterclockwisedirection, against the bias of spring we, whereupon the toothed portion i223 thereof is carried out of engagement with the ratchet plate 8 3. In said latter 'condition of the click pawl, the indicator at carried by the knob 83 will indicate the release position on the housing wall 55, the lock position of the indicator 9t indicating a position of engagement of the click pawl and the ratchet plate. Therefore, it will be apparent that the knob 88 is used to engage or disengage the click pawl and the ratchet plate. It will be apparent that the camming of the link 98 also results in the movement of the link ltd in the direction of arrow B in Fig. 9. Said link Hill is provided with a slotted portion I32 in which there is engaged a stud l3l carried at the end 196 of the the outer surface of lever PM. As illustrated and described in 'detail in the -lattertwo of my impending japplica tions, the movement of link .ISl) in the direction of arrow 'B removes a detent from engagement in dr'r'e nf the slots 133 of the rack whereby the latter "is freely manually rotatable in either dimotion *for positioning the rack to fill a predetermined :number :of receptacles.

:previously indicated, the bracket 50 is mounted .on the stud 52 which extends above the upper wall 5 3 or the housing. More particularty, the provided with an axially extending pin 13:: at the center thereof, :on which the bracket is removably mountable, as indicated in Fig. '1. 'The stud is also provided with a short axial pin "which is engageablein the bracket to retain the latter again movement relative to the stud, as is well understood.

The ratchet assembly 8'! .ftfor shooting the rotary movement of the stud 52 'for pivotally moving the bracket '50 is mounted "on the bearing member M2 which is secured to the bottom wall 9' of the housing as .at F44. :Said bearing member is ,provid'ed'wiifii "a collar r46 'for'rec'eiving the bearing shaft M8. Said shaft is provided with a shoulder I50 which bears upon the collar M5 and with a portion 1'52, of reduced diameter, which extends into the collar. Portion 1'52 is provided with "a 'tappedbore 1'56 to receive a bolt 156 through an aperture 158 provided in the bottom wall 9 1. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the head of the bolt 155 engages the bottom surface of bottom wall 94 to prevent the movement 01 shaft [43 outwardly of the hearing "I '42.

The ratchet assembly '83 comprises "the previously mentioned ratchet plate '84 mounted for rotary bearing on the u per surface or the eo1 l'ar 1'46, and the hollow cylinder I62. More particularly, said ratchet .Dlate is secured to the bottom surface of a cylindrical member Hit "which is mounted on the lower end of the cylinder i'82. Said cylinder 1.62 is provided, on the inner sur face thereof, with the spaced bearing sleeves E34 and 165 which have bearing engagement with the aforementioned shaft 148. It will be noted, as illustrated in Fig. 4, that the upper end of the shaft 148 terminates inwardly of the upper end of the cylinder Hi2 thereby allowing the cylinder to receive the stud '52. More particularly, the stud 52 has an upper portion I63 'on which the bracket '59 is received and which clears the upper housing wall Stand a body portion which depends therefrom. A shoulder I7? is formed in said body portion for engaging the upper rim of the cylinder IE2. Said portion 110 extends into the upper part of the cylinder E62, the latter being provided with an arcuate slot I'M (Fig. '7') for receiving a bolt 1T6. The portion 13'!) of the stud '52 is provided with a tapped bore I it for receiving the bolt i715. An arcuate washer lab is provided between the head of the bolt 116 "and the surface of the cylinder about the slot 1M therein. Therefore, it will be apparent that by providing the slot ill: the stud 52 may be adjusted relative to the cylind'er I62 and then fixed in position for properly aligning the bracket 50 relative to the receptacle rows whereby the outlet at of the funnel 33 will be positioned in alignment with the various test tube receptacles at the liquid receiving station.

The previously mentioned cam arm M 8 is provided with an apertured portion 182 which is disposed for rotation about a collar I84 upstanding from the cylindrical member IE0 and rests upon a shoulder 186 formed in said member. "Said collar is grooved as at I88 and a washer I90 is disposed in the groove for retaining the cam arm iZA in position on the member H59. said cam arm is provided with a cam portion I92 which extends upwardly from the upper surface thereof along a marginal edge thereof. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the cam portion I92 has a part I94 thereof which is parallel to the side N6 of the cam arm and a part I98 which is inclined toward the side I96. Said cam parts are adapted to be engaged by the previously mentioned pin 20 carried by the rack, as is hereinafter described in detail. The cam arm is also provided with a depending post 268 on which there is secured one end 202 of a helical tension spring 2M, the other end of which is secured to a peg 265 (Fig. 9) mounted on the bottom wall 95 of the housing.

As previously indicated, the click pawl I211 is carried in spaced relation to the undersurface of the cam arm I24 and cooperates with the ratchetplate 54 to effect the lateral movement of the bracket from one row of receptacles to a laterally related row. For this purpose, the ratchet plate 84 is provided with a first series of four recesses or tooth-receiving indentations indicated. at TI, T2, T3 and TA, respectively, for engagement by the click pawl I23, and with an additional series of recesses indicated at T5, T5, Ti and T8, respectively for engagement by a springoperated follower 2138. Between said series of recesses, the ratchet plate is provided with an arcuate peripheral portion 2H! and with a recess 2I2 which is provided with a detent portion ZIA for cooperation with said follower mechanism, as hereinafter described in detail. the ratchet plate is provided with a switch actuating member 2I5 for engaging the operating member 2I6 of a normally closed micro switch 22!! for operating the latter. The ratchet plate 85 is also provided on the upper surface thereof with a pusher member 222 which is adapted to cooperate with the previously mentioned pin 22 carried by the rack, as hereinafter described in detail. The ratchet plate also carries a post 22 which depends from the lower surface thereof for engagement, alternately, with the spaced detent members 226 and 228 on the bottom surface 94 of the housing, as hereinafter described in detail. An additional detent member 230 is carried on the bottom wall for engagement by the previously mentioned post 2% depending from the cam arm I24.

Figure 2 illustrates the condition of the apparatus with the bracket 5!! and, the funnel 38 carried thereby, positioned to fill the innermost row of receptacles. It will be noted that in said position, the tooth portion I28 of the click pawl is engaged in the recess TI of the ratchet plate, the click pawl being biased into engagement with the ratchet plate by the spring I26. It will also be noted that in said position, the follower device 258 is engaged in the ratchet recess T5. More particularly, said follower mechanism comprises a bearing member 232 secured to the bottom wall of the housing and provided with a collar 234 upstanding therefrom. A twin armed member 235 is mounted for rotation on said collar 234 being retained thereon by the washer 238 and the bolt 2453 which is threaded into said collar. Said member 236 is provided with the angularly related arms 252 and 2 34. The free end of arm 242 is secured to one end of a helical tension spring 246, the other end of which is secured to a retaining member 248 which is provided with the slotted portions 250 and 252 in which are engaged In addition,

the studs 254 and 256, respectively. Said studs extend through the bottom wall of the housin and are secured in position by the nuts 258. It will be apparent that the member 248 is adjustably positionable on the bottom wall 94 for adjustably tensioning the spring 2% whereby to adjust the force applied by the member 236 to the ratchet plate, as is hereinafter described in detail. The arm 244 of the member 236 is provided at the free end thereof with a roller 2% which engages the ratchet plate 84. As illustrated in Fig. 2, when the click pawl I20 is enaged in the tooth-receiving recess TI, the roller 250 is engaged in the recess T5.

Assuming now that it is desired to fill all of the receptacles in the innermost row on the rack, it will be understood that the first receptacle to be filled is positioned in said row, relative to the pin 20 carried by the rack so that said pin will be in the position illustrated in Fig. 2 when the last receptacle in said innermost row is in the liquid-receiving station. Assuming now that the rack rotates in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 2, it will be apparent that after the last receptacle in the innermost row has been filled, the rack will begin to turn and the pin 20 will engage the cam portion I94 of the cam arm 82, which is in the path of movement of the pin, said position of the pin being shown in broken line in said figure. Due to the engagement of the click pawl in portion TI of the ratchet plate, it will be apparent that the continued movement of the pin member 20 along the cam portion I94 will cause the click pawl assembly 8!, which includes cam arm 82, and the ratchet plate assembly 3 to rotate as a unit in the direction of arrow B in Fig. 2. As is evident, the rotation of the ratchet plate assembly will result in the rotation of the stud 52, carried by the cylinder I62, in the direction of arrow B. This will obviously cause the pivotal movement of the bracket 50 about the axis of the stud 52 to move the funnel outlet &0 from its position over the innermost receptacle row to the next adjacent receptacle row, as illustrated in Fig, 1. The foregoing movement of the cam arm 82 results in the expansion of the spring 2% so that when the pin 20 has completed its travel over the cam portion I94, said spring will be effective to retract the cam arm 82 from the projected to the retracted position thereof, causing the click pawl to be withdrawn from the ratchet recess TI and be engaged in the ratchet recess T2. Upon retraction of the cam arm, the pin Zil will ride along the cam portion I98 of the cam arm 92 until said pin is disengaged therefrom by the continued rotation of the rack. It will be apparent that due to the movement of the ratchet plate, the roller 260 of the follower member 268 will ride out of recess T5 and engage in recess T6 under the bias of spring 241%. Due to the tension effected by said spring, the roller will act as a detent to retain the ratchet plate in position between the intermittent movements thereof. When the rack has been rotated sufficiently to fill all of the receptacles in the row adjacent to the innermost row, it will be apparent that the cycle will be repeated and that the click pawl will then be engaged in recess T3 and the roller 260 will be engaged in recess Tl. After the third row is completed, the cycle will be repeated so that the click pawl will be positioned in recess T4 and the roller 26% will be positioned in recess T8 for filling the outermost receptacle row. It will be apparent that with each movement of the ratchet assembly the funnel outlet as is accordingly moved to the next lateral :row to :be filled, as previously described.

It will be noted that with each movement of the ratchet plate, the pusher member 222 "is carried from the position thereof illustrated in Fig. 2 toward a position where said pusher member underlies the rack 12 so as to be positioned in the path of movement of the previously mentioned long pin 22 carried by the rack. More particularly, after the last receptacle the out ermost row has been filled, the next movement of the rack will bring the .pin 22 into engagement with the pusher member 222 to rotate the ratchet assembly toward the drain position shown in Fig. 3. This will result in withdrawing the click pawl from the recess T4 to ride on the peripheral portion 262 of the ratchet plate and in the concomitant withdrawal --of roller 260 from recess T8 to ride on the cam portion 210 and to begin to ride on the inclined camming edge N2 of the ratchet plate. At :this .point'the bias exerted by the spring 246 will be efiective to force the roller against said .cammingedge sutficiently to continue the rotation of the ratchet plate 84 until the roller reaches the vdetent portion 2M. It will be understood that :the tension exerted by the spring 245 on the twin arm member 236 is suificient to rotate the ratchet assembly 83 to a point-'where'the outlet 400i the funnel 38 willbe in registrywiththedrain 88. It will be apparent that'the movement of member 222 causes outlet 40 to-clear the outermost rec'eptacle row and move in .the directionof the drain 68, the member 236 being eifective to complete this movement so that with the drain.

Various different types ,of brackets may be mounted on the stud'52 ,in place of the bracket 58 illustrated. Some of these types are illustrated and disclosed in my application :Ser. ..No. 156,282 previously identified. If :the tension applied by the spring 246 is toogreat, the movement o'fithe bracket to the drain positionthereof mayresult in spattering of the liquid from the outlet .40. In this connection, the tension'of the spring 246xmay beadjusted for a particular bracket, byadjustably positioning the retaining member 248, as previously described, to prevent such spattering of the liquid.

It will be noted, as indicated in the drain position of the mechanism illustratedin Fig. 3, that in said position the switch operatingmember 216 engages the switch actuating element 2H; for opening the normally closed switch -220 which, it will be understood, is connected in the main power line to the motor which-:rotates .the rack thereby discontinuing the operation of ithefraotion collection mechanismin the drain: position. It will also be noted that in thedrain position, the pin 224 carried-by theratchetplateM engages the stop member 22880 that the bracket and the funnel carried thereby can never overtravel the drain position whereby'the funnel :outlet will be automatically in-registry with the. inlet to the drain 68.

When the mechanism is in thecdrain'position, the long pin 22, as illustrated in Fig.3, is in a position-to clear the pusher member 2222 so -as not to impede turning movement :of the rackin thereof, as hereinafter described. .In this connection, it will be noted that'the pusher member is constructed with .a horizontally disposedpor tion 266 which is secured to theupperesur-fa'ce of the ratchet plate and-with aneupstandingportion the :outlet will register resetting the mechanism for-the next-"operation 10 268 which is engaged by the pin 22. As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5, it will be apparent that in the drain position :of the apparatus, the pin 22 is disposed laterally of the upstanding portion 258 to clear the latter and pass over the horizontally disposed portion 266.

To reset the mechanism, from the drain position illustrated in Fig. 3, for the next operation thereof, the funnel bracket 50 is first manually rotated inwardly from the drain position thereof suiiiciently :for the switch operating member 2 IE to disengage the switch actuating element 2| 8 for closing switch 220. This restores the power to the rackdr ive motor, illustratedand described in the latter two of my prior applications, and the latter operates its-associated rack drive mechanism foran intermittent step-movement of the rack. At the termination of said step-movement therack drive mechanism is disengaged from the rack as illustrated and described in said latter two applications. The "knob '88 is then roated from the LOCK position to the RELEASE position thereof. As previously indicated, this results in the oamming of the link 98 by the cam portion -96, the link part being engaged in the notch 91 provided on the cam portion 96. The link H6 is thereby moved in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 9 and the click pawl is pivoted :thereby as illustrated in Fig. 10 so that the tooth portion 1 28 thereof moves out of engagement with the ratchet plate 84. The bracket may no'w'be manually moved inwardly to position the outlet 40 of the funnel as desired over any of thecontainerro'ws. Aspreviously indicated, the camming of the link 98 also results in the movementof-th-elink 130, in the direction of arrow B in Fig. -'-9,-to removethe-previously mentioned detent from engagement in a raek slot I36 whereby'to "release the rack formanual movement in either direction. In this connection, it will be apparent that when any :number of containers less than the 200 provided on the rack are to be filled, this may be accomplished by placing the-outlet over-the desired row andby rotating the rack until the desired starting or first receptacle to be filled is positioned under the outlet 40. Assuming, however, that the rack is to beiresetfor filling :the entire complement of 200'containers,:with the knob 88in the RELEASE positiomrthe-bracket 50 is pivoted from the drain position thereof towardtheinne'rmost receptacle row. This results m;the.rotation of the ratchet assembly 18.3 ;in 1 a direction opposite the arrow B :in iiiig. .2 :until the pin 1224 ;carried by ratchet plate .8.4 engages :the detent .226, as illustrated insaidgfigure. -Inithiszilosition, the outlet 40 of the fifunnel :.is automatically registry with the receptacleszinsthe first or innermost row. Upon returnnfithezknobfiflztu the: locked position thereof, :thezplickzpawliwill be; pivoted; into engagement with'i-the ratehet;plate,:the spring 204 being effective "to marry the. arm 2 into position wherein the pin 20.0 carried rtherebyzengageszthe detent 23.0,;as illustrated Inxthis position the tooth; l28rof;zthezclick. pawl will. automatically engage: ini-toothzportion' .Tl Ofzthfi. ratchet plate.

iinxviewsof the ifaetithat' the housing '30 is customarily formed of sheet metalyit may become neoessaryto adjust the angle of the cylinder I62 with "reference to ith'esbottom wall 94 and the top vwall 2 :54 orth'e housing-in order to assure registrypfsthesfunnel outlet 40 and the receptaoles .at thc liquid filling station. In this con- IIGCiJlOBLpI'OViSlOHEiS: made "for an adjusting memibenor'piatei'fl o' (figs. 4 and-b) which is provided with downturned flange 212 provided 'with the spaced slots 214. The flange is secured to the side wall 216 of the housing by the bolts 278 which extend through the slots 21d and'which are provided with the nuts 286. Due to the provision of'the slots 214, the plate 2'! is adjustable on the wall 216 along the line extending from the front to the rear of the housing. The plate is also provided with a narrowed extension 282 which enters the arcuate slot 284 defined in the cylinder IE2 at a point therein adjacent the top end of the shaft [48 which is provided With a tapped bore 286. The extension 282 is provided with an elongated slot 288 which is adapted to receive the threaded bolt 290 which is threadable into the tapped bore 286. It will be noted that the slot 284 extends for a considerable portion in the surface of the cylinder I62 so as not to impede the normal rotation of the latter during the'operation of the apparatus. It will also be apparent that due to the elongation of the slot 288 the cylinder I62 and the shaft I48 may be urged in any suitable manner to assure the entrance of the bolt 2%!) into the upper end of the stationary shaft M8 to provide for the parallelism of the cylinder, the shaft and the side wall 276 on which the plate 219 is carried. With this parallelism assured, it will be apparent that the outlet 46 will be properly positioned to register with the receptacles at the liquid receiving station.

The front wall 72 of the housing may be provided with a control panel 292 and with a timer 29s, as fully illustrated and described in the latter two of my prior applications. understood that various devices for counting the drops issuing from the outlet 40 to control the intermittent rotation of the rack may be provided, as illustrated and described in detail, for

example in my prior application Ser. No. 156,282.

Accordingly, it will be understood that the above Also, it will be mentioned and various other changes in the form and arrangement of parts as well as in details of construction may be made without departing from the underlying idea or principles' of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In apparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle supporting means to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; means for positively moving said movable device to said positions, respectively, comprising a, mem ber mounted for turning movement and operatively connected to said device, means relatively movable in relation to said member and intermittently engageable therewith for turning the latter step-wise in one direction, and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said last mentioned means for moving said movable device to said positions thereof, respectively, and means operable after a predetermined number of step-movements of said member by said intermittently engageable means for moving said member to a retracted position in which said device is disposed clear of the receptacles on said support whereby to terminate the supply of material to the receptacles, said member having a part provided with a recess having a camming edge, and said retracting means including a spring-operated follower engageable with said camming edge in a prede termined position of said member for at least partly moving said member to said retracted position.

2. In apparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device' respectively, and means for moving said receptacle supporting means to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; means for positively moving said movable device to said positions, respectively, comprising a member mounted for turning movement and operatively connected to said device, means relatively movable in relation to said member and intermittently engageable therewith for turning the latter step-Wise in one direction, and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said last mentioned means for moving said movable device to said positions thereof, respectively, and means operable after a predetermined number of stepmovements of said member by said intermittently engageable means for moving said member to a retracted position in which said device is disposed clear of the receptacles on said support whereby to terminate the supply of material to the receptacles, said member having a part provided with a recess having a camming edge, and said retracting means including a spring-operated follower engageable with said camming edge in a predetermined position of said member for at least p rtly moving said member to said retracted position, said part being also provided With a plurality of recesses and said spring-operated follower being engageable in said recesses, respectively, in the different positions of said device for releasably holding the latter in said positions.

3. In apparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle supporting means to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; means for positively moving said movable device to said positions, respectively, comprising a member mounted for turning movement and operatively connected to said device, means relatively movable in relation to said member and intermittently engageable therewith for turning the latter step-wise in one direction, and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said last mentioned means for moving said movable device to said clear of the receptacles on said support whereby to terminate the supply of material to the receptacles, said member having a part provided with an element engageable by said retracting means for at least partly moving said member to said retracted position, said part also having a recess provided with a camming edge, and said retract- 13 ing means including a spring-operated follower engageable with said camming edge in a predetermined position of said member for completing the movement of said member to said retracted position.

4. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage and means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in a plurality of laterally related rows, said supporting means being movable in relation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles in succession at a position to be supplied with material issuing from said outlet; means movable in lateral steps corresponding to the distance between said laterally related rows to position said device in material-supplying relation to the receptacles of one of said rows following the supply of material to the receptacles of another of said rows, said latter means comprising a first member mounted for movement from a retracted to a projected position thereof for a distance corresponding to one of said lateral steps, and a second member mounted for step movements, said first member being in operative engagement with said second member for moving the latter in lateral steps as a unit therewith during said movements of said first member, said movable device being in operative engagement with said second member 5. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage and means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in a plurality of laterally related rows, said supporting means being movable in relation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles in succession at a position to be supplied with material issuing from said outlet; means movable in lateral steps corresponding to the distance between said laterally related rows to position said device in material-supplying relation to the receptacles of one of said rows following the supply of material to the receptacles of another of said rows, said latter means comprising a first member movable by said supporting means from a retracted to a projected position thereof for :a distance corresponding to one of said lateral steps, a second member movable in lateral steps by said first member as a unit therewith, said movable device being in operative engagement with said second member, and means provided on said second member and 'en-gageable by said supporting means after thelast receptacle has been supplied for moving said second member in an additional lateral step for positioning said outlet clear of said receptacles.

6. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage and means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in a plurality of laterally related rows, said supporting means being movable inrelation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles insuccession at a position to besupplied with material issuing from said outlet; means movable in lateral steps corresponding to the distance 'between said laterally related rows to position said device in material-supplying relation "to the receptacles of one of said rows Llftillovv'ing the supply of-material to the receptacles oiano'ther of said rows, said latter -means comprisinga first member movable by said supporting means from a retracted to a projected .position thereof for a distance corresponding to one of said lateral steps and a second member-movableinllateral steps by said first member as a unit therewith, said movable device being inoperative engagement with said second member, spring-operated means for releasably retaining said second member in position at the termination of each lateral movement thereof, means for returning said first member to the retracted position thereof independently of said second member, and means provided on said second member and engageable by said supporting means after the last receptacle has been supplied for moving said second member at least partly through an additional step, said retaining means being operative upon said second member to complete said additional step for positioning said outlet clear of said receptacles.

7. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage, and means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in a plurality of laterally related rows, said supporting means being movable in relation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles in succession at a position to be supplied with material issuing from said outlet; means movable in lateral steps corresponding to the distance between said laterally related rows to position said device in material-supplying relation to the receptacles of one of said rows following the supply of material to the receptacle of another of said rows, said latter means comprising .a first member movable by said supporting means from a retracted to a projected position thereof for a distance corresponding to one of said lateral steps and a second member movable in lateral steps by said first member as a unit therewith, said movable device being in operative engagement with said second member, spring-operated means for .releasably retaining said second member in position .at the termination of each lateral movement thereof, means for returning said first member to the retracted position thereof independently of said second member, means provided on said second member and engageable by said supporting means after the last receptacle has been supplied for moving said second member at least partly through an additional step, said retaining means being operative upon said second member to complete said additional step 'for positioning said outlet clear of said receptacles, and means operated bysaid second member at the termination of said additional lateral step to terminate the movement of said supporting means.

8. In apparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles "in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle supporting means to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; means for positively moving said movable device to said positions, respectively, comprising a ratchet member mounted for turning movement and operatively connected to said device, pawl means mounted for bodily movement in relation to said member and intermittently engageable therewith for turning the latter step-wise in one direction, and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said pawl means for moving said movable device to said positions thereof, respectively.

9. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage andmeans-for supporting a plurality of receptacles in a plurality of laterally related 'row-s, said supporting means being movable step-wise-in-relation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the vreceptacles in succession at a position to be isupplied with material issuing from said -.outlet;

means operated in response to a predetermined step-wise movement of said supporting means for moving said movable device laterally of said receptacle rows whereby to position said device in material-supplying relation to the receptacles of one of said rows following the supply of material to the receptacles of another of said rows, said last mentioned moving means comprising a ratchet assembly having a member mounted for rotation and adapted to mount said movable device and carry a ratchet plate in spaced relation longitudinally thereof, and a pawl assembly mounted coaxially of said member and provided with a pawl member intermittently engageable with said ratchet plate for turning the latter stepwise in one direction, and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said pawl assembly for moving said movable device to said positions thereof, respectively.

10. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage and means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in a plurality of laterally related rows, said supporting means being movable step-wise in relation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles in succession at a position to be supplied with material issuing from said outlet; means operated in response to a predetermined stepwise movement of said supporting means for moving said movable device laterally of said receptacle rows whereby to position said device in material-supplying relation to the receptacles of one of said rows following the supply of material to the receptacles of another of said rows, said last mentioned moving means comprising a ratchet assembly having a member mounted for rotation and adapted to mount both said movable device and a ratchet plate in spaced relation longitudinally thereof, a pawl assembly comprising a laterally extending member mounted coaxially of said ratchet assembly member and provided with a pawl intermittently engageable with said ratchet plate for the unitary step-wise movement of said assemblies in one direction and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for moving said extending member in lateral steps corresponding to the distance between said later-, ally related rows for effecting said unitary movement.

11. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage and means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in a plurality of laterally related rows, said supporting means being movable step-wise in relation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles in succession at a position to be supplied with material issuing from said outlet; means operated in response to a predetermined stepwise movement of said supporting means for moving said movable device laterally of said receptacle rows whereby to position said device in material-supplying relation to the receptacles of one of said rows following the supply of material to the receptacles of another of said rows, said last mentioned moving means comprising a bearing shaft, a cylinder mounted for rotation thereon, said movable device being carried at the free end of said cylinder, a ratchet plate carried by said cylinder and spaced from said end thereof, an arm rotatably mounted between the ends of said cylinder and extending laterally thereof, a pawl carried by said arm and biased for engagement with said ratchet plate, and

16 means operable in timed relation tosaid move ment of the receptacle support for moving said arm in lateral steps corresponding to the distance between said laterally related rows for rotation of said cylinder.

12. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage and means for supporting a, pluralityof receptacles in a plurality of laterally related rows, said supporting means being movable step-wise in relation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles in succession at a position to be supplied with material issuing from said outlet; means operated in response to a predetermined step-wise movement of said supporting means for moving said movable device laterally of said receptacle rows whereby to position said device in material-supplying relation to the receptacles of one of said rows following the supply of material to the receptacles of another of said rows, said last mentioned moving means comprising a bearing shaft, a cylinder mounted for rotation thereon, said movable device being carried at the free end of said cylinder, a ratchet plate carried by said cylinder and spaced from said end thereof, an arm rotatably mounted between the ends of said cylinder and extending laterally thereof, a pawl carried by said arm and biased for engagement with said ratchet plate, means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for moving said arm in lateral steps corresponding to the distance between said laterally related rows for rotation of said cylinder, means for releasably retaining said plate in position between said lateral movements, and means for retracting said arm at the termination of each lateral movement thereof.

13. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage and means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in a plurality of laterally related rows, said supporting means being movable step-wise in relation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles in succession at a position to be supplied with material issuing from said outlet; means operated in response to a predetermined step-wise movement of said supporting means for moving said movable device laterally of said receptacle rows whereby to position said device in material-supplying relation to the receptacles of one of said rows following the supply of material to the receptacles of another of said rows, said last mentioned moving means comprising a cylinder mounted for rotation, said movable device being carried at one end of said cylinder and a ratchet plate being carried at the other end thereof, an arm rotatably mounted between the ends of said cylinder and extending laterally thereof, a pawl carried by said arm and biased for engagement with said ratchet plate, means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for moving said arm in lateral steps corresponding to the distance between said laterally related rows for rotation of said cylinder, and means for releasably retaining said pawl in position disengaged from said ratchet plate for adjustably positioning said device.

14. In apparatus comprising a movable device having a material supply passage and means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in a plurality of laterally related rows, said supporting means being movable step-wise in relation to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles in succession at a position to be supplied with material issuing from said outlet; means operated in response to a predetermined step-wise movement of said supporting means for moving said movable device laterally of said receptacle rows whereby to position said device in material-supplying relation to the receptacles of one of said rows following the supply of material to the receptacles of another of said rows, said last mentioned moving means comprising a cylinder mounted for rotation, said movable device being carried at one end of said cylinder and a ratchet plate being carried at the other end thereof, said plate having a first series of peripheral recesses and a second series of peripheral recesses, an arm mounted between the ends of said cylinder and extending laterally thereof,'a pawl carried by said arm and engageable with one of said series, means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for moving said arm in lateral steps corresponding to the distance between said laterally related rows for rotation of said cylinder, and a follower engageable with said other series for releasably retainposition at the termination of each rotation thereof.

15. In apparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle-supporting means in relation to the outlet of said passage to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; a member mounted for turning movement and adapted to carry said device to eifect said movements thereof, and an adjustment device in operative engagement with said member, said adjustment device being operable to adjustably vary the disposition of said member relative to said supporting means for effecting the registry of said outlet and said receptacles in the different positions, respectively, of said movable device. 7 16. In apparatus comprising a housing, means provided therein for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of-a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a materialsupply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle-supporting means in relation to the outlet of said passage to present the receptacles in each row successive- 1y to said movable device; a member mounted in said housing for turning movement, said member being adapted to carry said device to effect said movements thereof, and an adjustment device carried by said'housing and operatively engageable with said member to adjustably vary the disposition thereof relative to said supporting means for effecting the registry of said outlet and said receptacles in the different positions, respectively, of said movable device.

17. In apparatus comprising a, housing, means provided therein for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle-supporting means in relation to the outlet of said passage to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; a member mounted in said housing for turning movement, said member being adapted to carry said device to effect said movements thereof, a bearing shaft for said member, and an adjustment device carried by said housing and engageable with said shaft to adjustably vary the disposition thereof relative to said supporting means for eifecting the registry of said outlet and said receptacles in the different positions, respectively, of said movable device, said adjustment device having a, portion adjustably positionable on said housing and a portion adjustable engageable with said shaft.

18. In apparatus comprising a housing, means providedtherein for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a, materialsupply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle-supporting means in relation to the outlet of said passage to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; a member mounted for turning movement on the bottom wall of said housing, said member being adapted to carry said device to effect said movement thereof, a bearing shaft for said member, and an adjustment device adjustably carried on a side wall of the housing and engageable With said shaft to adjustably vary the disposition thereof relative to said supporting means for effecting the registry of said outlet and said receptacles in the different positions, respectively, of said movable device.

19. In apparatus comprising a housing, means provided therein for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a materialsupply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said recepta e-supporting means in relation to the outlet of said passage to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; a member mounted for turning movement on the bottom wall of said housing, said member being adapted to carry said device to effect said movement thereof, a bearing shaft for said member, and an adjustment device adjustably carried on a side wall of the housing and engageable with said shaft to adjustably vary the disposition thereof relative to said supporting means for effecting the registry of said outlet and said receptacles in the different positions, respectively, of said movable device, said adjustment device extending in a direction normal to said side wall to effect the parallelism of said member and said side wall.

20. In apparatus comprising a housing, means provided therein for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of 'a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a materialsupply passage and mounted for movement laterally of saidrovvs to positions for supplying material to the receptacles-therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle-supporting means in relation to the outlet of said passage to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; a bearing shaft mounted on the bottom wall of said housing, a cylinder in bearing engagement with and mounted for turning movement on said shaft, said cylinder extending above the upper end of said shaft for 19: mounting, said. device to effect; said: movement; thereof, and. an adjustment: device adjustably: mounted. on: a. side Wall; of. said. housing, said. cylinder; being: slotted adjacentz thefree end; of said'shaft, andxsaidadjustment device-having a 51 portionadjustably engageable with saidifree end through said cylinder for adjusting the angle of said shaft relative to saidlbottomwallwhereby toieffect the registry of said outlet andsaid-receptacles in; the different positions, respectively, of saidmovable device.

21; In apparatusgcomprising a housing, means provided; therein for, supporting a plurality of. receptacles in each ofsa plurality of laterally related rows, amovable devicehaving amaterialsupply passageandrmounted for movement laterally of. said. rowszto :positions .for supplying material to: the, receptacles therein, respectively, and means: for; moving said receptacle-supporting means inrelation to the outlet of .said passage to: present. the receptacles l ina each row successively to said ifi'lOVEJblB; device; a. bearing. shaft: mounted on the bottom..wallrof:said housing and extend ing vertically. upwardlyr therefrom; means in bearing. engagement with and mountedfor-turn- 5 ing movement .on. said :shaft, said-imeans-carrying said device to eifect .saidmovement thereof, anda member. securedbetween by said'housing and saidshaft' for maintaining thelatter: in the ver ticaL disposition; thereof;

22. In 1 apparatus comprising housing, means' provided therein for; supporting a. plurality of" receptacles inreachzofr'a pluralityof laterally re lated rows, almovableldevice having? amaterial supply passage andimounted formovementlaterally of said rows to positions for supplying: materialzto the receptacles'therei-n; respectively, and means for moving. said receptacle-supporting means in. relation to: the; outlet:.of said passage tov present thereceptacles in each rowsuccessively. to. said. movable. device;- a bearing shaft mountedion 1 the bottom; wall of said housing and extending-vertically upwardly. therefrom, means in: bearing, engagement. with: and mounted for turning movement on said :shaft, said-means carrying saidzdevice to=efiect saidimovement thereof, and a member carriedibycasidewall of the housing andextendingtherefrom to engage said shaft; at apolnt thereon spaced'upwardlyirom the, bottom wall to secureisaidshaft in the vertical disposition thereof:

23. ln apparatus comprisingia housing; means provided thereinfor supporting a'plurality of re-- ceptaclesin eachof. a plurality oflaterally re lated rows, a movable device havingamaterial supply passage andmounted for movement lat-- erally of'said rows to. positions for supplying: ma terial to'the receptacles-therein, respectively,- and means for movingsaidreceptacle-supporting:

means in relation. to the outletof saidpassage,

to present the receptaclesin each row successively to said movable device; an: aperturedi member secured on the bottom-wall of saidhous ing, a bearing shaft secured. in said member and extending vertically curing element extending-from a-sidewall of said housing toenga'ge said-1 shaft. between the ends: thereof. to 1 retainthe-latter in: said vertical dis-- position thereofhandzmeans in bearing engage-- ment withand-mounted. for turning movement-.170,

on said, shaft, said. device 1 being carried by saidlatter means to effectsaid: movement thereof! 24. In apparatus comprising. atmovable device having amaterial1supply passage and-means for supporting a,plurality. of receptacles-in a plu upwardly. therefrom, a se- 5,

rality ofilaterally relatedlrows; saidasupportingi. means -1being2movab1e: in:relaticmtoztheaoutleti ofr said: passage for presenting the; receptacles in, successiomat aposition: togbe-suppliedawnh ma:-:

terial issuing; from; said outlet;: means. movable; inalateralsteps corresponding to. the:distance1be tween-said: laterallycrelated rows to ;positiongsaid-; devices inv materialesupplying relation. to. the areaceptacl'es: of. one. of 'z'SaidiIOWS vfollowing: thezsupzply. Off. material; to r the receptacles ;of: another: of?

said; rows, said latter. means comprising: a.- firsti: member mounted fort-movement" froma retracted-i to. a projected .position thereof: for aadistance cor responding to :one of 'saidi1atera1'1steps; a: second. member mounted for turning: movement, and: means provided on: saidfi'rst member! and one gageable with said second memherrduring: said movements/of said first memben for turningsaid second member for' a: distance corresponding -toone of 'said lateral steps, said movable device be ing: in: operative engagement with said second member.

25'. .In apparatus comprising a= movable-device= having a=.materia-1 supply passage and means for supporting a pluralityof-receptacls in a-plu-- rality of laterally related-rows; said supporting means being movable=- inrel'atiorr to the outlet of said passage for presenting the receptacles in succession at: apcsition to be-supplied=with material issuing from said'outlet; mean movable inlateralstepscorresponding-to the distance-be tween said laterally related-rows to position -saiddevice inmaterial supplying relationtethereceptacles of one of said row-s fcllow-ing the-sup ply of material to-the receptacles of anether-of' said rows; said-latter--meanscomprisinga first member mounted for movement from'aaretracted toa -proj ected-position thereof for a distance can responding to one off said-laterarstepsy aseeond member mounted for turning movement; and means provided on said firstmember and en-- ga-geable with said second member during said movements of :said first n'uernrier for turning-said second member for" a distance corresponding td one of said lateral steps, said movable devi'ce be ing in operative engagement with said second member said secondmember being" constituted by; ratchet means,- and' saidmeans provided= on: said first member beingconstituted by paw-l" means;

26. Inapparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles: ineach of a plurality of laterally -rel'ated rows; 3; movable d'e v-ioe having a material s'upply passage and mounted for 'mcvement 'laterallyof=said rows--to positions-- for supplying material to the recep"-- taclestherein; respectively, and means for mov ing= said receptacle supporting meansto-present the receptacles in eachrow successivelyto said movabledevice; means'ionpositivelymcvingsaid movable device to said' positions; respectively-,- compris-ing ratchet meansmounted for turning: movement 1 about a predetermined axis: and op eratively connected to said; device;- and pawl. means mounted for movement about said: axis; said pawl means being-= relatively movable im re 1ation to: said ratchet meansand intermittently engageable therewith ion-turning the latter stepwise-in one: direction; and:meansmperabledmre sponse" to said I movement of the receptacle sup-'- port. for actuating said'pawl means for movinge said-movable device; to said positions thereof, respectively,

2'7. In= apparatus= comprising meansifornsupei porting; a" plurality of receptacles each: off a;

plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle supporting means to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; means for positively moving said movable device to said positions, respectively, comprising ratchet means mounted for turning movement about a predetermined axis and operatively connected to said device, and pawl means mounted for movement about said axis, said pawl means being relatively movable in relation to said ratchet means and intermittently engageable therewith for turning the latter stepwise in one direction, and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said pawl means for moving said movable device to said positions thereof, respectively.

28. In apparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle supporting means to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; means for positively moving said movable device to said positions, respectively, comprising ratchet means mounted for turning movement about a predetermined axis and operatively connected to said device, and pawl means mounted for movement about said axis, said pawl means being relatively movable in relation to said ratchet means and intermittently engageable therewith for turning the latter stepwise in one direction, means operable in response to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said pawl means for moving said movable device to said positions thereof, respectively, and means for releasably holding said ratchet means in stationary position during the intervals between said step movements thereof.

29. In apparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle supporting means to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; means for positively moving said movable device to said positions, respectively, comprising a member mounted for turning movement about a predetermined axis and operatively connected to said device, means mounted for movement about said axis and relatively movable in relation to said member and intermittently engageable therewith for turning the latter stepwise in one direction, and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said last mentioned means for moving said movable device to said positions thereof, respectively.

30. In apparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle supporting means to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; means for positively moving said movable device to said positions, respectively, comprising a member mounted for turning movement about a predetermined axis and operatively connected to said device, means mounted for movement about said axis and relatively movable in relation to said member and intermittently engageable therewith for turning the latter stepwise in one direction, and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said last mentioned means for moving said movable device to said positions thereof, respectively, and means for releasably holding said member in stationary position during the intervals between said step movements thereof.

31. In apparatus comprising means for supporting a plurality of receptacles in each of a plurality of laterally related rows, a movable device having a material-supply passage and mounted for movement laterally of said rows to positions for supplying material to the receptacles therein, respectively, and means for moving said receptacle supporting means to present the receptacles in each row successively to said movable device; means for positively moving said movable device to said positions, respectively, comprising a member mounted for turning movement about a predetermined axis and operatively connected to said device, means mounted for movement about said axis and relatively movable in relation to said member and intermittently engageable therewith for turning the latter stepwise in one direction, and means operable in timed relation to said movement of the receptacle support for actuating said last mentioned means for moving said movable device to said positions thereof, respectively, and means operable after a predetermined number of step movements of said member by said intermittently engageable means for moving said member to a retracted position in which said device is disposed clear of the receptacles on said support whereby to terminate the supply of material to the receptacles.

GEORGE GORHAM.

No references cited. 

